HeRO Vascular Access Device

HeRO Vascular Access Device (Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow) offers a new option for long-term dialysis patients. Vascular surgeons at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital were the third site in the United States to implant the FDA-approved HeRO device.

HeRO Vascular Access Device at Sentara

According to the National Kidney Foundation, in 2005, there were more than 336,000 people needing renal dialysis as a lifesaving treatment for malfunctioning kidneys. Normally, the kidneys remove liquids and waste from the body. When the kidneys are not functioning properly, dialysis takes over that job. Dialysis requires frequent vascular access to the veins. The dialysis machine circulates your blood to cleanse it of liquids and waste and then returns the cleansed blood back into the body.

Vascular access simply means the ability to create and maintain access to your bloodstream, which is crucial for effective dialysis and other medical treatments.

HeRO Vascular Access Device Surgery

The surgery combines endovascular and surgical skills to implant this device in patients who have lost all of the major veins in their chest area. The four components of the HeRO device are:

Catheter

Pre-connected graft assembly

Crimp ring

Sleeve, made of silicone to provide covering in order to reduce kinking

During the procedure, we customize these components to fit your anatomy. The HeRO device then provides you with a successful under-the-skin vascular access for ongoing dialysis.

Am I a Candidate?

We surgically implant the HeRO device to provide long-term vascular access for chronic dialysis patients who have exhausted other access options. Talk to your doctor to find out if you are a candidate.